A growing rift within the Democratic Party has emerged as dozens of candidates vying for U.S. House seats in 2026 refuse to pledge support for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). This hesitation signals potential trouble for party unity ahead of a crucial election cycle.
According to Breitbart, a recent Axios survey, conducted between Sept. 24 and Oct. 15, 2025, polled 113 Democratic House candidates on their stance toward Jeffries. The results paint a stark picture: only 24 firmly back him, while 20 outright oppose and 57 remain noncommittal.
Less than a quarter of respondents offered clear support, a surprising shift for Jeffries, who has enjoyed unanimous backing from sitting House Democrats since taking over from Nancy Pelosi in 2022. This dissent among newcomers hints at deeper frustrations.
Many candidates withholding support cite dissatisfaction with Jeffries’ messaging and priorities as party leader. Progressive contenders, in particular, appear frustrated by his handling of ideological battles within the party, especially in high-profile races.
One flashpoint is Jeffries’ tepid stance on the New York City mayoral race involving Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a socialist whose platform has split Democrats. Jeffries’ refusal to fully endorse Mamdani has alienated some on the left.
In July 2025, Jeffries described Mamdani as “neither a communist nor a lunatic” in response to criticism from President Donald Trump. Yet, his waffling—neither fully condemning nor embracing Mamdani—has only fueled progressive discontent.
Some candidates have been vocal about their concerns. “His refusal to endorse Zohran makes me nervous that, if I were to become the nominee in my race, he and the party would not support me,” said Jacob Lawrence, a North Carolina candidate.
From a conservative lens, this internal squabble over a far-left figure like Mamdani reveals the Democrats’ struggle to balance their radical wing with electability. One wonders if chasing ideological purity will cost them winnable seats. Further tensions arise from Jeffries’ role in the ongoing government shutdown. Last week, he rejected Republican-backed legislation to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for one year, calling it a “non-starter.”
President Trump and congressional Republicans have criticized Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) for prioritizing partisan gridlock over reopening the government. Polls indicate most voters favor Democrats accepting current spending levels to resolve the crisis.
Jeffries’ defenders argue he’s focused on “battling Donald Trump, ending the Republican shutdown, and addressing the crushing GOP health care crisis,” according to spokesperson Justin Chermol. Yet, this rhetoric seems disconnected from public sentiment, craving compromise.
Critics within his party also point to broader leadership failures. “The anger of the base right now is not being matched by Democratic leadership—and that is going to have to change one way or another,” said Harry Jarin, a Maryland firefighter and candidate.
From a right-of-center view, Jeffries’ stubbornness risks alienating moderate voters who prioritize results over posturing. If Democrats can’t even unify behind their leader, how can they govern effectively against a resolute Trump administration?
The Axios data show discontent isn’t limited to fringe voices; several of Jeffries’ critics, like Daniel Biss and Kat Abughazaleh in Illinois, and Donovan McKinney in Michigan, are running competitive campaigns in battleground districts. Their dissent could signal wider voter frustration.
While many establishment Democrats remain loyal, the sheer number of noncommittal and opposing candidates—over three-quarters of those surveyed—suggests potential chaos if the party reclaims a House majority in 2026. Jeffries, notably, has yet to address the survey results directly.